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Help me paint canopy frames correctly

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  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Chicago, USA
Help me paint canopy frames correctly
Posted by MonsterZero on Monday, April 3, 2017 9:51 PM

I masked the glass parts with Bare Metal foil. This is not perfect (caused some scratches while cutting away the excess foil) but acceptable.

However, I must have airbrushed too much paint on because after removing the foil, the frames had ugly and noticeable ridges of paint sticking up and also somewhat jagged and bumpy edges. The whole idea of masking is to have perfectly even smooth edges on the glass, otherwise may as well paint with a paintbrush...

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Monday, April 3, 2017 10:38 PM

I like using Tamiya masking tape for canopy masking. I have not yet used bare metal foil, but at this point, I have found nothing better. And I have tried several other items and methods. After prepping the clear parts with Future and allowing them plenty of time to dry, I will hold the clear part up to back light it for a better view of the framing and lay the straight edge of the tape against the framing. Trim as needed with a new sharp xacto blade, and once the edging is done, I fill in the centers. If it is a canopy with lots of framework, you won't have to do much filling, just lots of trimming. The straight edge of the tape lessens (but depending upon paint type used, may not eliminate) the possibility of rough edges when the masking is removed. Tamiya tape is easily removed with a toothpick to lift a corner, and then pulled off with tweezers.

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

cml
  • Member since
    March 2007
  • From: Brisbane, Australia
Posted by cml on Monday, April 3, 2017 11:12 PM

Ditto Stikpusher's method and advice.

From what you've said - yes, it sounds like you used too much paint. Mist it on slowly and build up. If you go too heavy, you will also run the risk of the paint leaking under the mask, so it's much better to have a dry-ish mist coat built up.

Another tip i saw recently (but haven't tried myself) - to clear away paint from the canopy, use a piece of the sharpened sprue of the canopy. Logically it makes sense, something made of the same material shouldn't scratch itself.

Chris

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Chicago, USA
Posted by MonsterZero on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 1:50 AM

I realize Tamiya masking tape is the preferred method but the canopy is so tiny (Academy La-7, 1/48) I'm having a hard time creating masks of appropropriately tiny size.

 

  • Member since
    November 2009
  • From: Twin Cities of Minnesota
Posted by Don Stauffer on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 9:25 AM

On complicated greehouses like the SBD and TBF and such, I have started a new method which is slow but gives good results.  I mask and paint in two or three steps. I mask off all the vertical frames, and don't need to cut the tape accurately.  I use the narrowest tape I can find, or cut thinner strips.  I go from one side to the other, right across the longitudinal frames.  I then paint, then remove tape.  Now I do the same thing (mask-paint) for the longitudinal frames.  Then, I do any diagonal frames in a third session.  Yes, it leaves some slight ridges, but I find I can polish these down okay.

  This procedure eliminates cutting each panel, which is sometimes hard if the canopy or greenhouse does not have crisp enough molding.

Don Stauffer in Minnesota

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 10:01 AM

I just built this exact kit. I use Scotch tape for my windows now. It's clear and I can see EXACTLY where to trim. Once the masks are one shoot them with clear gloss, then add your cockpit color and then outer color. A bit more difficult to remove initially but well worth the effort. The clear will prevent bleading of the cockpit color and leave a very sharp edge.

BK

 

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    September 2012
Posted by GMorrison on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 11:16 AM

Burnish the tape with a toothpick.

 Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

 

  • Member since
    April 2016
  • From: Parsons Kansas
Posted by Hodakamax on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 11:18 AM

Frames are always a challenge and there appears to be no standard good way to do them. Painting by hand worked when I was young and steady and I still do some with that method using acrylic paint and sharpened toothpicks to scrape off mistakes. I never do well at masking but in some cases it works well. It always seems I get a leak somewhere. 

Don't forget the striping tape method. It can be trimmed to width and even painted before application. 

I think "all of the above" is the answer for the problem. 

Just my opinion and good luck!

Max 

 

fox
  • Member since
    January 2007
  • From: Narvon, Pa.
Posted by fox on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 6:22 PM

My 2 cents. I think that Max gave the correct answer. Try "all of the above" until you find the one that works well for you. They are your builds and you are the one that has to be pleased with them.

Personally, I use Dons method of taping one way and then the other. Have used it many times with great results.

Jim  Captain

 Main WIP: 

   On the Bench: Artesania Latina  (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

  • Member since
    July 2004
  • From: Sonora Desert
Posted by stikpusher on Wednesday, April 5, 2017 11:06 PM

BrandonK

I just built this exact kit. I use Scotch tape for my windows now. It's clear and I can see EXACTLY where to trim. Once the masks are one shoot them with clear gloss, then add your cockpit color and then outer color. A bit more difficult to remove initially but well worth the effort. The clear will prevent bleading of the cockpit color and leave a very sharp edge.

 

 

 

I would suggest to stay away from clear or frosted scotch tape as a canopy mask. in my experience that stuff sticks like there is no tomorrow, tends to shatter or fragment during removal, and usually leaves adhesive residue on the clear parts. And if you have any decal work in the immediate area... watch out... one slip and by by decal...

 

F is for FIRE, That burns down the whole town!

U is for URANIUM... BOMBS!

N is for NO SURVIVORS...

       - Plankton

LSM

 

  • Member since
    June 2014
Posted by BrandonK on Thursday, April 6, 2017 9:55 AM

stikpusher
sticks like there is no tomorrow, tends to shatter or fragment during removal, and usually leaves adhesive residue on the clear parts

How true that is. This is only a technique you should try if you are comfortable doing so. I use it and it works fine as I know the limitations of using it. I also use "Goo Gone" to remove the residue with no effort so my results are fine. But, try and try something until YOU find one that fits YOUR preferences. This art is all about learning and doing new things.

BK

On the bench:

A lot !! And I mean A LOT!!

2024 Kits on deck / in process / completed   

                         14 / 5 / 2  

                              Tongue Tied

  • Member since
    November 2008
  • From: Central Florida
Posted by plasticjunkie on Thursday, April 6, 2017 10:14 AM

I use regular making tape and the fexible vinyl Tamiya tape for curves. I shoot multiple very light paint coats to avoid buildup. I also spray at an angle away from the tape line so not to force paint under the tape.

Works every time

 GIFMaker.org_jy_Ayj_O

 

 

Too many models to build, not enough time in a lifetime!!

  • Member since
    February 2012
  • From: Olmsted Township, Ohio
Posted by lawdog114 on Friday, April 7, 2017 6:51 PM

Eduard pre-cut masks. I look for them for just about all complicated canopies. These are the greatest thing since Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dr. Pepper.

 

For easy canopies I use Stik's method. It works great. 

 "Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

 

 

 

 

  • Member since
    February 2011
  • From: Bent River, IA
Posted by Reasoned on Friday, April 7, 2017 9:13 PM

lawdog114

Eduard pre-cut masks. I look for them for just about all complicated canopies. These are the greatest thing since Kentucky Fried Chicken and Dr. Pepper.

 

For easy canopies I use Stik's method. It works great. 

 

Ditto

At this point I'm too damn old, crotchety and blind to mess with anything but pre-cut masks on a greenhouse canopy.

Science is the pursiut of knowledge, faith is the pursuit of wisdom.  Peace be with you.

On the Tarmac: 1/48 Revell P-38

In the Hanger: A bunch of kits

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